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Judiciary Police Headquarters

Introduction

The project pays tribute to the culture of one of the most prestigious police institutions in Portugal with a rigorously designed building on a humanised scale, which blends perfectly into the surrounding environment. Designed as a hierarchy of geometric recessions, the exterior image is one of sober lines with glazed surfaces, interspersed with opaque elements, creating a balance between filled and empty spaces. This apparent transparency and randomness minimises the impact which is common among exteriors of buildings of this size.

Inside, the space was equipped with advanced technology and security devices which make the Judiciary Police headquarters one of the most modern corporate buildings in Portugal. Meanwhile, patios were included to prioritise the availability of natural light, creating plays of light and shadow, and pleasant workspaces which minimise stress and disturbances. The top of the new building features a heliport. An outdoor car park with capacity for more than 500 vehicles was built outside.

Details

The project included the construction of a new building linked to the existing building by a walkway, improvement and restoration works on the prison services building, construction of a new entrance, and upgrading of the outdoor areas. The building is situated on a plot oriented north east/south-west, standing at a maximum of 11 floors above ground level, linked by independent communication routes. Two large central patios separate the buildings and unite the built complex. All of the new buildings in the complex were designed to allow flexibility and modularity, anticipating potential spatial reorganisation in the event of changes to the organisational structure.

«The idea was to evoke a greater proximity than that which is traditionally adopted in a public building of this kind, with a complex built on a humanised scale which is rigorous yet not austere, dominant yet not domineering, for the building to reflect its institutional nature without being oppressive.»